French 'Caveman' Sebastien Chabal to retire with two Six Nations, a Premiership and cult hero status around the world to his name

Former France utility forward and cult hero Sebastien Chabal, capped 62 times between 2000 and 2011, will end his 16-year playing career on Sunday.

Media darling Chabal, nicknamed 'the Caveman' for his thick beard and long hair, will play his final game playing for Pro D2 (second division) team Lyon.

'At the end of the season, on Sunday, I will end my professional rugby career with pleasure... having helped the club (Lyon) being promoted to the top flight,' Chabal told a news conference on Monday.

Cult hero: France international Sebastien Chabal will play his final game on Sunday for Lyon

Triumph: Adding to two Six Nations and a Premiership title with Sale, Chabal's Lyon won the French Pro D2

The 37-year-old, who played at number eight, lock and flanker, spent five years at Sale from 2004-09 and then Racing Metro, but it was a ferocious tackle and a brutal charge in a test match against New Zealand in 2007 that made his name.

Although he was originally a back-row player, Chabal was often used as a lock by France coach Bernard Laporte, notably during the 2007 World Cup.

The first rugby player in over 50 years to have his wax figure at the Musee Grevin - the French Madame Tussauds - Chabal won two Six Nations titles with Les Bleus in 2007 and 2010 and the English Premiership with Sale in 2006.

Bowing out: Chabal retires after helping his team win their way into France's top-flight Top 14

Imposing: The 64-times capped France international is a commanding presence in the defensive line for Lyon